T-55A is a member of large family of Soviet post-war tanks – the first link in the chain was T-44 and the latest – T-62. All shared the hull’s layout and engine but differed in the shape of the turret and main armament.

The appearance of German PzKpfw V ‘Panther’, PzKpfw VI ‘Tiger’ and PzKpfw IV fitted with a long barrelled 75 mm cannon on the battlefields of the eastern front posed quite a challenge for the designers of the Russian T-34 medium tank.

The origins of the T-34 medium tank date back to 1938, when the USSR State Defence Committee, having analysed experiences from the Spanish Civil War, resolved to construct a successor of the BT-7 ‘convertible tank’ (tracks could be removed and a chain drive to the road wheels engaged, allowing the tank to travel at high speeds on roads).

The BMP-2 [BMP = Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhoty – Infantry Fighting Vehicle] was fielded in early 1980’s as an improved version of the BMP-1 incorporating new turret with more powerful armament [initially designated by US intelligence BMP 1981].